Review: HP dv2, take two

With all the talk about affordable 12-inch computers lately, it made sense to revisit HP’s dv2. This, as you probably remember, is HP’s not-a-netbook, thanks to the use of AMD processors and discrete graphics. Starting at $579 it’s a compelling option for anyone interested in the “affordable ultraportable” segment. The system has lost some of its uniqueness thanks to the release of Intel’s CULV-powered notebooks, but it remains to be an interesting cross of power and performance.

We already ran a full review of the dv2, so be sure to check that out for all the details. The system featured in this article is white/black instead of just black, but otherwise the hardware is identical. As for the components, this system is configured slightly differently so be sure to review the specifications. Keep in mind that, this system generally goes by the name of the “dv2z” on HP’s site.

HP Pavilion dv2-1199us (dv2z)

AMD Turion Neo X2 dual-core L625 1.6Ghz

4GB RAM

ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3410

12-inch 1280×800 display

320GB disk

Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit

It would be nice to have some sort of exciting insight or revelation for this second look, but everything mentioned in the previous review holds true today. It’s an ultraportable that is pleasant to use with performance that is more than workable. Portability is greatly aided by the system’s sub-4 pound weight and the fact that it is just 0.93-inches thick. The battery does not extend out of the system much, making for a design that is visually appealing and not as clunky as something like the Lenovo S12, which is roughly the same size. The tuxedo coloring is nice enough, and it will satisfy people that want a white notebook, but the original black was pretty nice as well. Overall, the system is cheap for an ultraportable and it’s a big step up, in many respects, from today’s 10-inch netbooks.

The main difference between this dv2z and the one we looked at previously is the use of a dual-core Turion processor. The current system is powered by the Turion Neo X2 as opposed to the Athlon Neo MV-40. The processor issue is a rather confusing one, especially for a consumer notebook, but explanations are available. Basically the Turion is the better part, even though they both run at 1.6GHz. Also, the Turion is only available in dual-core, where the MV-40 was a single-core processor. Ultimately the system does not feel that much different than before and during general use the change does not seem to be noticeably (note: I don’t have them next to one another to test), but the Turion should stand out when applications can take advantage of the second core and/or when you start multi-tasking.

According to PassMark testing the MV-40 looks to be significantly less capable than the Turion but benchmarking like this tends to make differences seem like more than they really are.

While the MV-40 was adequate the Turion should be a step up. The change will cost you $125–that’s $75 for the processor and then $50 for a mandatory graphics upgrade. This move will be from the Radeon X1250 (64MB) to the 3410 (512MB). Overall the graphics should account for a bigger difference than the processor, so it might be worth it in the end. (The confusing part is that the MV-40 used to be available with the 3410 graphics, but that seems to cause a conflict with HP’s system builder now. Also, there is no mention of a third processor option, the dual-core Athlon Neo X2 L335, which would be a $25 upgrade over the single-core model, and works with the 3410 graphics chip).

The system, as tested and with multiple instant rebates, came out to $769. Thanks to the questions about the processor, confusion about the dv2 vs dv2z, and the generally bad experience of using HP’s website, it’s not entirely clear that this computer is even purchaseable from HP.com, but close variants should be available.

The battery life of the dv2 was about four hours. Battery life is going to vary based on how intensive what you are doing is–the use of the dual-core processor and discrete graphics over single-core and integrated mean that there is the potential for some serious power consumption. Testing of the dv2z put the battery life at closer to three hours, possibly less, depending on what you are asking of the computer. If having the more powerful components supposes that you will be using them for more than just browsing the web then the battery life will probably be under three hours, but if you are going to be using it for general mobile purposes you should be able to squeeze out a bit more than that.

HP’s dv2(z) is a nice ultra-thin notebook and an interesting couterpart to both the netbooks and growing number of CULV-powered notebooks available. With the original processor it was a solid machine and with the Turion it’s a bit more powerful, and you will get the system’s biggest advantage: the graphics. Of course for both the CPU and graphics you trade off battery life which leads us to the biggest flaw of the dv2/dv2z. In a time when sub-$500 netbooks are getting 7+ hours of battery life this system’s 4 or so hours is not looking too great. Of course the extra power will be well worth it for some people and the applications for the dv2 and a netbook should theoretically be rather different, but understanding that will depend on the user.

Overall, the dv2 makes an interesting middle-of-the-road play, the nuances of which clearly require some explanation. It’s a great system for someone who just wants something that works, and doesn’t want to try to figure out why the netbook they just bought can’t play fullscreen video or can’t run iTunes. It’s more expensive than almost all netbooks and many notebooks, but for a reasonably powered ultraportable the dv2 is a good deal.